Taming the tummy
Never quite the fitness buff, but always a voracious eater, I would thank my lucky stars for my metabolism with a surprisingly good work ethic. Although I yearned to look lean and fit versus thin and soft, I seemed to lack the inclination to hit the gym or sports center for the bulk of my life. My aversion to sweating, coupled with sheer laziness, naturally made working out more punishing than pleasurable. In fact, swimming was my sport of choice since you don’t feel yourself perspire plus you work out all parts of the body while gliding through the water.
While age has been creeping up on me and as my metabolism, I’ve noticed, is sadly on the decline, I bravely decided it was time to jump on the fitness wagon. A true novice, I had no idea which direction to turn. High-impact activity was not for me; so it boiled down to a choice between yoga or Pilates. Now I’m not mocking yoga by any means; I just felt that I could never be a total yogi as I’m a diehard carnivore. It would be difficult for me to fully abide by the principles of yoga when I’d be chowing down on contraband meat. So Pilates it was, after hearing praises from numerous friends who were all in the same boat I was in — desiring a more toned body without a heart-racing, vigorous routine.
The whole premise of Pilates was conceptualized by a German man, Joseph Pilates, at the end of World War One. Originally intended to aid rehabilitation programs for returning veterans, Pilates believed that these wounded soldiers would be able to bounce back to better health by working on key muscles. Those efficient Germans! Through a series of exercises combining control and precision, these hard-working soldiers were able to strengthen, stretch and stabilize themselves. To this day, Pilates is used not just as a vehicle for fitness but also for active rehabilitation programs. Children and seniors take Pilates for all sorts of help with physical ailments, postural concerns, and musculoskeletal issues.
For its fitness-geared clientele, Pilates has an entire checklist of pros so I decided to try it out for myself. At the onset of this year and as one of my resolutions, I enrolled in lessons at B+B Pilates Studio in Fort Bonifacio. I hit the jackpot with this world-class studio — it’s brand-spanking new, clean, well-lit and fully equipped with the latest Stott Pilates machines from Canada. Hidden behind frosted doors, B+B doesn’t have a sign so you’d never know it’s there. While you can elect to take classes, I chose to begin with one-on-one sessions to zone in on the basics. Linda Candolesas, my Pilates instructor, is the sweetest, most softspoken lady who can unassumingly kick my butt. With over 22 years in the fitness biz and seven years focused on Pilates, Linda was formerly with Plinky Recto and was trained in Hong Kong. Tutored by Physical Mind New York and Sally Knight of Stott Pilates Canada, Linda has gently coached me through the rudimentary steps while egging me on to more challenging exercises with a genial, soothing voice that really means business.
The fundamentals begin with breathing properly to ensure that enough oxygen is taken in for the blood to pump properly and for us to release waste through exhaling. A warm-up necessitates a few minutes of breathing exercises to get the body revved up for a session. Posterior lateral breathing, which is controlled, super-deep breaths without having the ribs protrude too much and exhaling while concentrating on the abdomen muscles is the basis of breathing in Pilates. This type of breathing should be carried out with each Pilates exercise. It may sound strange but it takes some time to breathe properly and to remember to breathe this way while embarking on different exercises and machines. Focusing on breathing requires great concentration and one needs to use their mind to control the muscles and to always be mindful of the alignment of the spine as well. It aims to fuse body and mind. A complete repertoire, if you will.
Once you’ve got the breathing down pat, you can begin to work with the machines. At first glance the machines look rather tricky but with proper guidance, they are quite easy to maneuver. The gamut of equipment sounds complex — cadillacs, reformers, ladder barrels, split pedal stability chairs, arc barrels, spine supporters, bosus, stability balls, toning balls, fitness circles, smart spine, wobble boards and the like — but each item serves a very useful purpose. Exercises designed to use in tandem with the equipment work out all parts of the body while never taking the focus off of the core, which include the group of muscles in the center of the body. Self-diagnosed with A.D.D., the machine exercises are excellent for me since they encompass many different types of exercise with a few repetitions for each one. Mixing up the exercises maintains my interest and focus. Doing these exercises requires concentration — focusing on breathing, tightening the abs and squeezing the buttocks all at once may sound easy but can be challenging. Utilizing control is key as the exercises need to be done steadily and slowly for maximum results.
People of all ages can take Pilates. I’ve seen such a diverse group of men and women in the studio all fancying a more streamlined shape. Even pregnant women under supervision can continue with their sessions. When done alongside other sports, it improves performance in that sport. While Pilates isn’t very aerobic, it’s suggested that people find a method of aerobic activity to work the heart to achieve a well-rounded fitness program.
According to Joseph Pilates, “In 10 sessions, you will feel a difference. In 20 sessions, you will see a difference. After 30 sessions, you will have a whole new body.” Suffice it to say, it’s been nearly nine months and I’ve noticed a significant change in my body and wardrobe (Lululemon creates wonderful fitness clothing). I’m more flexible, stronger and toned. My posture has improved which helps me greatly since I’m so short. At least I have the illusion (or so I think) of being taller. While I’m still major steps away from being as muscular as Madonna, I can tell my body has undergone a bit of a transformation, from flab to fit.
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B+B Pilates Studio is located at G/F Bonifacio Technology Center, 31st Street corner 2nd Avenue, Fort Bonifacio (tel. 815-1009).
